KUALA LUMPUR – National women’s doubles player Teoh Mei Xing is ready to step into a leadership role in the absence of national number one pair Pearly Tan-M.Thinaah at the upcoming Uber Cup.
Pearly and Thinaah will not play in this edition of the tournament, scheduled from April 28 to May 5 in Chengdu, China
Their exclusion is to give the pair more time to prepare for their first Olympic Games in Paris – which will run from July 26 to August 11.
However, Mei Xing, 27, has been named to the final Uber Cup squad released today by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) alongside many young players.
The next most senior player in Malaysia’s squad is independent women’s singles player Goh Jin Wei who is 24 years old.
The average age of the squad is 21.3 years of age.
“With Pearly and Thinaah not in the squad, I’m the most senior player. We are fielding many junior players and I’m ready to lead them in Chengdu.
“I don’t feel any pressure to step up as I’m used to training with them and giving some guidance,” said the Selangorian.
Mei Xing is ranked 56 in the world with partner Anna Cheong at the moment, but at one point before Anna’s injuries, the pair were ranked 17 in the world.
Anna injured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in October of 2022 and has experienced a frustrating time with her recovery, often taking two steps back with each stride forward.
Mei Xing admits that she is not sure of her direction with Anna still injured.
“Right now in training, I’m just preparing myself for anything. I admit sometimes I feel lost but I’m just waiting for the coaches to give me their next instruction.
“I have approached the coaches to play with a new partner until Anna returns, but right now there aren’t many tournaments.
“The focus in training too has been on players who are on their way to the Olympics, so there have not been many plans for the rest.
“But I’m not blaming or feeling upset with anyone or the coaches as this is my situation right now and I have to accept it for the moment,” Mei Xing added.
Mei Xing said she usually trains with Chan Wen Tse, as she is also without a partner.
The duo will likely play together at the Uber Cup as the 19-year-old Wen Tse was listed in the team’s competition squad. – April 12, 2024